Prepare the wrappers

Cup of Yum
1. If using shop-bought wrappers, defrost them in the fridge. Do not open the packaging until you’re ready to assemble.
2. For fresh wrappers, please follow my Dumpling Wrapper recipe. Allow about 1 hour 20 minutes for making, resting the dough, and rolling individual wrappers.

Mix the filling

1. Put tofu blocks on a deep plate, then place something heavy over the tofu to help squeeze out some of the water. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Over a mixing bowl, crumble the pressed tofu into small pieces.
2. Soak glass noodles in warm water until they become pliable. Chop them into small strands, then add to the mixing bowl.
3. Finely chop kimchi and Chinese chives, then add them to the mixture, along with sesame oil, Sichuan pepper oil if using, and white pepper. Mix well then give the filling a taste. Stir in a little salt if necessary.

Fold the dumplings

1. Place a portion of the filling in the middle of a wrapper (moisten the edge with a little water if using shop-bought ones). Fold the wrapper into a half-moon shape, adding a few pleats as you go. Place the assembled dumplings on a tray dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

Pan-fry (see other methods in note 2 & 3)

1. In a large skillet/frying pan, heat oil just enough to cover the surface. Put in dumplings. Leave to fry over high heat until the bottom of the dumplings turns golden (lift one to check).
2. Pour cold water into the skillet, deep enough to cover ⅓ of the height of the dumplings. Cover with a lid immediately.
3. Leave to steam over high heat until the water has fully evaporated. Remove the lid, then keep the skillet on the burner for another 20-30 seconds to further crisp the dumplings.
4. Serve immediately with a mixture of Chinese chili oil and black rice vinegar, or dipping sauces of your choice.

Make ahead

1. Put uncooked dumplings over a tray lined with parchment paper. Store in the freezer until fully frozen. Transfer them into airtight bags. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
2. Pan-fry frozen dumplings, without defrosting, following the same method.